The ships most popular staterooms are Balcony Staterooms, which also come in a wide variety of configurations and locations. Some venues are too small to accommodate demand; lines for peak hour dining. On many ships, there are a lot of little things and some big things for which youll pay extra. Free to use equipment and machines. It can save you money if you normally would order a large number of drinks every day. Although the room is warm, the the lasso therapy pool will be comfortable. You also shouldnt assume theres nothing you can do about it. Good morning . However, that doesnt include taxes, fees and port charges of $129.27. Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration actually feature two restaurants that are considered specialty and have an upcharge on other ships, but are free on these two vessels. Even the pickiest of eaters will be satisfied. Carnival Pride is one of the oldest ships sailing for Carnival. Carnival Cruise Line has implemented a test regarding charging for a second meal at one of the restaurants found on its Excel class ships. Several of the biggest cruise lines like to boast about the adults-only sunning areas on their ships where you can escape from the little ones. If taking lots of fitness classes is part of your vacation routine, you might consider the value of trading up to a higher-end cruise line that includes fitness classes (and other extras) in its fare. AlVNY, 14 hours ago in Carnival Cruise Lines. This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. Check here before booking an award fare. In the segments below, we look at nearly a dozen different fees that you may encounter when cruising on big-ship cruise lines and offer advice on what to do about them. You cant get around these fees. Carnival and Royal Caribbean now charge extra for filet mignon, lobster or a surf-and-turf combination entree in their main restaurants. The ultimate guide to picking a cruise line, 14 things you should do before every cruise, 26 cruising secrets from an expert that will blow your mind, How to book a cruise with points and miles, 21 tips and tricks to make your cruise go more smoothly, one of the biggest lines now charging $138 a day, Are drinks packages worth the price? Enjoy a 5-day Thermal Suite experience during your cruise with this pass. Overall I was thoroughly impressed by my Yacht Club experience, and I felt like they delivered a strong value proposition. Terms and Conditions Apply. Luxury lines generally include almost everything in their base fares, from drinks of all kinds to gratuities. WebAn immersive thermal experience. However, you can go into the booking process wide-eyed by searching the fine print on booking sites for such fees before you commit to a particular sailing. External site which may or may not meet #1 we are on Thanksgiving week, so I anticipate that capacity will be pretty close to the top of whatever is currently being called "full". DOWNLOAD PDF YOUR STATEROOM Interior Cloud 9 Spa Interior Royal Caribbeans CocoCay versus MSCs Ocean Cay, which is better? Offer ends 5/3/23. Scan this QR code to download the app now. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. River cruise lines at many price points also are known for their all-inclusiveness. The lowest fares for each cabin category were:Interior cabin $639 per person Balcony cabin $739 per personInterior Yacht Club Cabin $1,709 per personBalcony Yacht Club Cabin $2,740 per person. There are Balcony Staterooms in the Cloud Nine Spa, Family Harbor and Havana categories and, close to the sea, there are Cove Balconies that have solid metal, versus glass balconies. They allow you to spend more time outside without the intense crowds of the pool area. There is also the for-fee Seafood Shack, right by the Beach Pool. It offers the line's signature Serenity adults-only sun deck, RedFrog Pub, Alchemy Bar and a slew of lounges, nightclubs and daily activities. Main dining rooms, buffet, and Lido deck restaurants (Guy's Burgers, Big Chicken, Street Eats, BlueIguana). In general, though, only the highest-end lines in the cruise world (and many river lines) offer free internet. Copyright Cruise Blog Media LLC 2023. Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features. Apr 28, 2023. Choosing a Carnival cruise ship is no simple task, especially if you're new to cruising. Shes been on 10 cruises and counting, and her favorite onboard activities include trying out the water slides, spending time in the spas thermal suite, eating lots of food, and attending the love & marriage show. Wide open with tons of light, it has two stories of windows spanning the front of the ship, and there are plenty of couches and chairs to relax. Find the right card for you. Masks: not required in the thermal area. Plus you are way up on the ship which could bother you sea sickness-wise and you are a hike from everything. Join. 2x points on all other eligible purchases. It also and this could really drive you nuts adds an 18% gratuity fee on top of the service charge for good measure. With a suite booking, you'll also receive priority embarkation and disembarkation. Cloud 9 Spa | Carnival Cruise Line Finally is the $314 doable within your budget. On Decks 16 and 17, the busting Lido Zone includes two separate pool areas (Midships Beach Pool and aft Tides Pool) and numerous eateries that range from the included Lido Marketplace buffet with multiple action stations, Guys Burger Joint, Big Chicken, the Blue Iguana Cantina and Street Eats, to the for-fee Seafood Shack. So, if your goal is to mingle and potentially meet other solo cruisers, you stand a good chance on Carnival Sunrise. Receive a 7% discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program when you book directly. As one of the largest cruise brands in the world, Carnival Cruise Line has more than two dozen vessels in its fleet, offering everything from megaship adventures to smaller-ship experiences. First transatlantic cruise coming up on Sunday. The Gateway is also home to the popular Alchemy Bar, the Carnival Kitchen (for cooking classes), a conference room, the for-fee Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, the Limelight Lounge and two MDRs, the double-deck Festivale Restaurant and the Carnivale Restaurant, both named for early Carnival ships. Opens in a new window. It's also one of the few vessels left in the fleet that still features jaw-dropping interiors designed by renowned architect Joe Farcus, who made Carnival synonymous with quirky patterns, bright colors and neon lights. I'm thinking about getting a weeklong pass for several reasons. WebWhile bending the elements to your will, finding that perfect temperature for relaxation is awesome even better is not needing to. Retired travelers have all the time in the world to take longer cruises, which generally allow them to visit more far-flung locales. Speaking of drinks, many cruise lines will allow you to bring your own wine or Champagne on board, usually in limited quantities. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. .css-18jw8gc{-webkit-appearance:none;-moz-appearance:none;-ms-appearance:none;appearance:none;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;-webkit-user-select:none;-moz-user-select:none;-ms-user-select:none;user-select:none;position:relative;white-space:nowrap;vertical-align:middle;outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;line-height:1.2;border-radius:var(--chakra-radii-md);transition-property:var(--chakra-transition-property-common);transition-duration:var(--chakra-transition-duration-normal);height:auto;min-width:var(--chakra-sizes-10);font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);background:none;border:0;color:black;display:inline;margin:0px;padding:0!important;font-family:var(--chakra-fonts-Roboto);font-weight:500;padding-top:0.625rem;padding-bottom:0.625rem;-webkit-padding-start:1rem;padding-inline-start:1rem;-webkit-padding-end:1rem;padding-inline-end:1rem;}.css-18jw8gc:focus-visible,.css-18jw8gc[data-focus-visible]{box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-outline);}.css-18jw8gc:disabled,.css-18jw8gc[disabled],.css-18jw8gc[aria-disabled=true],.css-18jw8gc[data-disabled]{opacity:0.4;cursor:not-allowed;box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-none);}.css-18jw8gc:active,.css-18jw8gc[data-active]{border:var(--chakra-borders-none);background:none;}.css-18jw8gc:hover,.css-18jw8gc[data-hover]{border:var(--chakra-borders-none);background:none;}.css-18jw8gc:focus,.css-18jw8gc[data-focus]{border:var(--chakra-borders-none);outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-none);}Cookie Consent, Multiple dining, cabin and activity options, suitable for all types of travelers. For digs that include pampering, try a Cloud 9 Spa cabin to receive extras like complimentary thermal suite access and two free yoga or Pilates classes. has written about cruising for more than 25 years and for many years oversaw USA Todays award-winning cruise site. On the Carnival Celebration, the choices are mind-boggling and it is almost impossible on a typical week long cruise to sample everything offered. They are per person. Just a relaxing experience for me. Like a well-conceived city at sea, Carnival Celebration has a little something for everyone, starting on top with the wet and dry thrills of the Ultimate Playground Zone (which includes the BOLT rollercoaster, a trio of serpentine WaterWorks slides and a dunker, mini-golf, a ropes course, a running track and a Games Court for Hoops) surrounding the funnel on Decks 18 and 19. A nominal charge of $8, per guest, will be assessed for additional visits.. Carnival Celebration - Cloud 9 Spa: Thermal Suite - Gangwaze.com Certain hotels have resort fees. For more information, please see our For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter. #3 I anticipate a little bit cooler weather on the first/last day of this cruise so thought this could be a great place to be. Opens in a new window. 6 points per dollar on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program, 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and U.S. shipping, 2 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases, Earn a free-night award each card renewal month (up to 35,000 points), Receive 15 elite night credits to jump-start status, Must spend $60,000 in a year for second free-night award. Neither allows kids, so every lounge area on the ship is a kids-free area. By WebWant to see what the thermal suite and spa is like on Carnival Horizon? That is less than the price for the thermal suite for two people. I particularly enjoyed the live music during the evening hours, from a very talented singer named Bernard. The premium cabin offers guests complimentary Italian water, a stocked mini-bar, and a coffee machine, as well as comfy robes and slippers. On many ships, youll pay $10 or more for classes in yoga, Pilates, spinning and the like. However, the ships part of the line's Excel Class are so large and attract so many families that I've ruled them out as the most luxurious. Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Front and back-facing staterooms are in high demand and tend to have larger balconies than the average side-facing staterooms, although there are side-facing Extended Balcony rooms, as well. Other lines that have started charging for room service include Norwegian Cruise Line, which now has a $9.95 convenience charge for room service. Thermal Suite 5-Day Pass | Carnival Cruise Line Those trips can come with a substantial price tag, which is why, as a budget option, Carnival is such a great choice. SC. Check here before booking an award fare. Summer Landing, an enclave at the far aft end of Deck 8, contains the guest services area, popular Guys Pig and Anchor Smokehouse and Brewery, the Heroes Bar (dedicated to veterans and their families) and the Patio Pool area, which adjoins a starboard lanai with outdoor bars and a port lanai with a quiet promenade within earshot of the gurgling sea. Thank you ninjacat123 for that information. Carnival It is a beautiful blue building that looks like a Bahamian house, with white rafters and Caribbean decor. Sandwiches at Piazza Panini, Pizza at Pizzeria del Capitano. For the ultimate escape, there is also the for-fee Loft 19 enclaves on Deck 19, which is lined with cabanas that can be rented for an extra charge. See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. Their Status Match program with other cruise ship and travel loyalty programs was also a big draw for many. Apr 28, 2023. She also teaches business studies at a university, with a focus on strategy. Related: The 8 best cruise lines for elegance and exclusivity. Although the MSC website indicates that guests of the Yacht Club receive premium wifi, it is in their basic browse package, with an extra charge to upgrade to browse and stream. Some cruise lines call them service fees. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Terms and Conditions Apply. While my MSC Yacht Club experience was fantastic, there are a few areas that I think could be better. Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. Many of Mardi Gras' standard cabins sleep at least four people, and the ship also offers connecting cabins. Many of the cruisers I spoke to were experienced, having sailed Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity and Princess , but wanted to try MSC. Related: 5 cruise lines to try if you cant stand being around kids. Ocean Suites also include VIP check-in, walk-in closet and bathroom with tub. In particular, Carnival Pride's voyages consist of nine- and 12-night itineraries to the Baltic, British Isles and Iceland on a regular cadence. Another major bonus, guests were treated to breakfast and lunch buffets while basking under the sun. The lunch and dinner menu changes daily, but it also has everyday classics such as filet mignon, fish, and pasta, to name just a few. cruise External site which may or may not meet Thanks! Carnival Pride You'll earn 15 elite night credits each calendar year, and receive automatic Gold elite status. I just got off Panorama on Oct 30. Here are my picks for the top options in several categories. accessibility guidelines. Cruise This Yacht Club dining room serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day. Should you book an inside Yacht Club cabin? External site which may or may not meet It seems to be a hallmark of MSC to have bedazzled staircases, making everything sparkly and magical. Carnival charges $59 for a two-hour class in the kitchen classroom on one of its newest ships, Carnival Panorama. As of the date of this posting, for instance, Carnival Cruise Line was advertising four-night cruises to the Bahamas out of Port Canaveral, Florida, starting at $104 per person. Apr 30, 2023 10:11 AM EDT. I would "price" the room they are offering you straight up and see what the savings is they are offering you. At the forward end of Decks 5 and 6, there is the two-deck Cloud 9 Spa, which has a thermal suite, numerous treatment rooms and a beauty salon. Hes sailed on more than 150 ships. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Special Event: Q&A with Rudi Schreiner, President, Co-Founder & Co-Owner - AmaWaterways River Cruises, Q&A with Avoya Travel: Learn How to Turn Your Passion into Success by Becoming an Independent Travel Advisor. You can keep up with her on Instagram at @IAmSarahJaneB. One of these is the Ultimate Playground a space encompassing a ropes course, waterslides and Bolt, the first-ever roller coaster at sea. A spectacular 30-foot wall of glass overlooking the sea can, with the push of a button or two, close off to form a digital backdrop for dazzling acrobatic shows or perhaps an afternoon session of bingo. thermal suite Carnival does not have a loyalty lounge, which removes one option for working passengers. WebAn exclusive area within the spa, the Thermal Suites are dedicated relaxation zones with a variety of environments - whether you prefer to lounge in the dry heat or like a little Are masks required in this area? The Yacht Club area is not stuffy at all, but rather I found the other guests were super friendly and spent evenings listening to music and getting to know people from all around the world. Guests enjoy a complimentary bar, loungers in the garden area, as well as a private beach with drink service. Plus you get bumped up to the higher decks. The only way to avoid this fee is to open your wine or Champagne in your room and then either drink it there or take it around the ship in a nondescript glass. All but the smallest vessels usually feature a main dining room that is included in the fare, as well as a buffet eatery where you can count on getting complimentary breakfast, lunch and dinner. ScottsSweetie, November 10, 2021 in Carnival Cruise Lines. After all, cruise ships are just hotels that happen to float. Oh - one more! Anyone cruise recently know what the mask situation is in the spa??? A crowded pool deck is a common occurrence on a sea day, making the Yacht Club's private roof deck area a great benefit. Sun-filled and elegant, it has numerous places throughout the ship to enjoy the warmth of the Caribbean. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. More ships leaving from a specific port means more competition, which can drive prices lower. All evening entertainment and most daily activities, Fitness center (although not classes) and jogging track, Specialty restaurants (Rudi's Seagrill; Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse; Emeril's, Seafood Shack), Specialty coffee and some pastries and cakes at Java Blue, All drinks beyond water, lemonade, iced tea and coffee, By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics. Located on deck 16, I was a short walk to the Yacht Club lounge, which is incredibly spacious. Related: 12 cruise ships with the most fun attractions. Her favorite cities include London; Amsterdam; Krakow, Poland; Phnom Penh, Cambodia; Dawson City, Yukon; and anywhere known for outstanding pizza and theater. Cloud 9 Spa Thermal Suite - Cruise Spa Onboard Carnival My wife does get motion sickness once in a while so that is definitely something that needs to be considered. MSC Yacht Club guests get special access while visiting the island, which I think is one of the significant differences from other cruise line suite programs. So this alone would almost make it worth the upgrade, with $760 in benefits. Painted skies and rolling Caribbean waves. Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPGs editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. Once Start with these stories: The credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. Luxury lines have much higher fares than mainstream brands such as Royal Caribbean, Norwegian and Princess, of course. If youd rather not bother with workarounds and just want a more inclusive cruise experience, you might want to book a trip with a luxury cruise line such as Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Silversea or Seabourn. #2 DH absolutely LOVES hot tubs, but I have a problem with either the kids in them, or the adults who haven't gotten out in 3 hours but have been drinking the entire time, so I'm hoping that this could be a great happy medium for us. It was well staffed, you never waited long for a drink, and always easy to find a seat. But those who want to go back for dinner a second time (or more) will be charged a flat fee of $8 per person. After a swift boarding process and a nice introductory lunch onboard, I headed to my cabin, keen to see what it looked like. In a post on Facebook, Carnivals brand ambassador John Heald explained. This booking number and last name combination could not be found. Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPGs editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. Let's be clear: Carnival is not a luxury cruise line, nor does it offer huge suites on most ships. 2x points on all other eligible purchases. Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. It can make a sailing significantly more expensive than it initially appears. The Breeze and the Dream are mostly identical and have wonderful Thermal Suites. I would say the pool is like a hot tub but not miserably hot like The Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex is a stacked card with a rewards rate that will help you earn bonus points on everyday and business-related purchases. The most obvious example of this is Celebration Central, the three-deck side atrium with no less than 1,400 fiberoptic celebratory confetti fixtures that emanate from the proscenium and burst into the ceiling, changing colors throughout the day. One way around them is to book a cruise during one of the frequent promotions that some lines offer where they throw in service charges for free. Find the right card for you. If you want to splurge on your cruise, the Yacht Club is absolutely the way to go. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). Dining on any Carnival ship is a highlight, thanks to quality ingredients, a wide variety of cuisine and the overall energetic, warm and friendly service. They seem to be aware of the problem, but ship design is not within their control. Think of it this way: The shorter the cruise, the less expensive it will be. Not that this always works: Norwegian charges a $15 corkage fee even if you want to drink your own wine in your own room. The thermal cruise pass was $130 per day. This is great information! Thank you! Is that included with the thermal suite pass or is there an extra charge for it? I particularly like the outdoor spaces around the specialty restaurants and bars on decks 7 and 8. Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. The suites it has are smaller than most other brands' high-end accommodations, and they do not include amenities like butler service. Restorative mornings on pink Mediterranean beaches and never-ending nights under the Grecian moon. For those who love the extra amenities (and they are considerable), and and don't mind an inside cabin, the answer is yes, this is a great option. Is it even worth the upgrade ? How much is the drink package on Norwegian Cruise Line. Carnival Related: 21 tips and tricks to make your cruise go more smoothly. An escape from your escape~ immerse yourself in our Thermal Suite. If you do so, be careful where you drink it. It really is up to you. Thermal Suite Carnival Luminosa boasts 10 Grand Vista suites, six extended balcony grand suites, two grand suites and 36 other suites, including junior, ocean and spa suites. A great contender for the title of best Carnival ship for singles is Carnival Sunrise. Should you go to a theme park before or after your cruise from Florida? The ship also acts as your transportation it gets you from place to place at no extra cost. It has a fun beach club vibe with a pool, hot tub, tons of loungers, a bar, tables, and chairs, It was never hard to get a lounger, but the day beds seemed to be snapped up early on in the day, and they definitely could have used more umbrellas, as t was quite hot throughout our cruise.